Michael Ronald Shay
1951-2020

Mike Shay passed away on August 30, 2020 in his home in Richland, Washington, at the age of 68 years. He had lived in the Tri-City area for more than 40 years and was recently retired. During retirement, his curiosity opened the door to international travel, home projects, and encouraging friends and family to grow and explore their worlds. Family activities and events were his focus. His biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, and supporting their strengths and personalities was especially important to him. There is no question that he lived his life fully. The end came unexpectedly and much too soon for him and his loved ones.

Mike was born to J. Ralph and Jean Rhode Shay in West Lafayette, Indiana, and attended the public schools there. He was a dedicated paperboy, learning many skills he would later apply in his professional career. In 1966, his father left Purdue to become the Chair of the Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Oregon State University. The Shay family moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where Mike graduated from Corvallis High School. Music was a major theme in the Shay household as he was growing up. Mike played the clarinet, tenor saxophone, and the oboe in band and jazz band. Those school years in West Lafayette and Corvallis sparked many friendships that endure today.

At Oregon State University, Mike chose physics for his undergraduate degree then went on to achieve a Master of Science Degree in nuclear engineering. He subsequently earned a second MS Degree in statistics/operations research and completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering except for a final thesis on modeling economic risk. Mike came to the Hanford Site to join the Westinghouse Hanford Company in 1976 and later Battelle. He was uniquely prepared for his tenure at Hanford. Most of his career unfolded at Battelle where he was a consummate and dedicated project manager, excelling at risk management for large scale projects. His optimistic outlook, charismatic personality, vision, and exuberant enthusiasm for his work served him well throughout his career and into his retirement years.

Mike is survived by his wife Mona, sisters Linda, Betsy, and Jennifer, daughter Erin (Matt), son Scott (Deborah), stepdaughter Kyra (Greg), stepdaughter Melissa, and grandchildren Madelyn, Griffin, Emerson, Kendrick, Ava, Gavin, and many cousins, nephews and nieces. His father and mother as well as sisters Susie and Peggy passed away before him.

Mike will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A private graveside service will be held later this month. A celebration of Mike’s life is tentatively planned for July 2021 or at such time when current health restrictions are behind us. Mike’s family wishes to thank everyone who has reached out to us with support and caring.